I have been watching these boards, ebay and everything else that has anything to do with my '87 and what I would like to do is change the muffler over to one of those Sportsters and maybe put some new shocks on it.  As for the muffler there are lots for sale on ebay but some come with sort of a kit with adapters and reducers.  So my question would be what is really needed to do the job and do I have a chance of ruining my header pipe taking the old rusted one off.  As for the shocks, mine are stock I am sure and tend to bottom out going over RR tracks and such (I'm sure that my 205lb fat a#$ doesn't help), where could I go to get different shocks that fit the Savage?
Thanks for the help prior.
MT

Lancer answered about the shocks, so I am not going there. About the HD exhaust- there are many ways to go and do the trick. To remove the old muff, losen the clamp and spray liberally WD-40. Let it soak for 20 min, spray again and start twist and turn. It should work. When You are installing the new exhaust- there are certain variations in the models of exhausts and depending on this there are different ways to go. If You don't put adapter with bend between the muff and the header and just seal the connection, the only problem is that You will smoke the rear brake cable and the brake arm on the back wheel.It is not a biggie, unless You are trying to impress the lady next door. If You want to go the extra mile and make it the best- go to a muffler shop and have them make You an adapter . The more important part is to make sure the muffler is securely attached in the back. Depending on the model of the exhaust and the way You attached it to the header,You might have to make an adapter bracket to hold the muff to the existing mount. The old heat shield will cover anything You do where the header and the muff come together.

My stock shocks don't bottom out on the second stiffest preload setting & I weigh 250+. Still, they're a little bouncy at times so I ordered a set of Progressive 412-4207C+ shocks in a 12.5" length & they're supposed to be in tomorrow. I'll install them friday night or sooner & I'll post in on how they work out.

I'm not sure what the spring rate is. I couldn't figure it out on the Progressive website. Since they're listed as a Suzuki VS800 application they may be a little stiff, but at my weight that's probably good. There's a preload adjustment on them though.

i weigh about 170, and need to replace my stock shocks.  i myself have an 87 and am wondering what would be the best replacement.  I am only 17 so i may gain weight down the road but i dont see more than 185-190 in the near future. Also i am about 6'4".   Any advice on shocks?
PS: i dont plan on riding with a passenger very often, but i derfinatly will occasionaly

My Progressive shocks arrived today. Look nice. I haven't put them on yet but I plan to this weekend & I'll let y'all know how they work out.